Gas storing and dispensing device



June 1, 1965 A. MORRISON 3,186,407

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ADM/Al/SZQATR/X ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,186,407 GAS STORING AND DISPENSING DEVICE Arthur I. Morrison, deceased, late of Cleveland, Ohio, by Kathryn J. Morrison, administratrix, 432 N. Market St., Loudonviile, Ohio Filed Mar. 23, 1960, Ser. No. 17,131 21 Claims. (Cl. 128-293) This application is a continuation-in-part of United States patent application, Serial No. 739,017, filed June 2, 1958, entitled, Portable Oxygen Inhalator, and United States patent application, Serial No. 775,194, filed November 20, 1958, and entitled, Portable Oxygen Inhalator, both applications are now abandoned.

This invent-ion relates in general to gas storing and dispensing devices and more particularly a portable structure for the administration of gases, an important example of which is oxygen.

Conducive to a better understanding of the invention and to pointing out one of the many gases and uses to which it may be put, it may be said that an instantly available supply of life-saving oxygen has long been recognized as being a prime requisite in the first-aid treatment of persons suffering from heart attacks, asthmatic or hay-fever conditions, carbon-monoxide poisoning, physical exhaustion from over-exertion, and drowsiness and fatigue resulting from long distance driving, especially on super-highways, which often acts to reduce the the drivers distance perception, without the drivers knowledge.

Members of the medical profession readily agree that many thousands of persons now dead would be alive today had a supply of oxygen been available to them in their time of need.

Present, so-called port-able oxygen units are expensive, bulky in size, and require dangerous loss of time to either pierce a small container and fill a re-breather bag, assemble several components plus a face mask, or adjust a rather complicated (to the layman) regulator valve and pressure gauge.

The primary object of this invention, therefore, is to provide an emergency oxygen inhalator structure having a simple control unit that can be easily and quickly engaged or disengaged to a disposable oxygen tank.

Another object of this invention, therefore, is to provide an emergency oxygen inhalator structure having a simple control unit that can be instantly snapped on-oroil a disposable oxygen tank.

Another object is to provide an emergency oxygen inhalator that is instantly operative when its mask is placed in position on the face, and pressed thereagainst. The flow of oxygen being continuous during contact, and being stopped automatically when the facial pressure is released.

Another object is to provide a device of the type stated, having a fixed orifice flow control valve which does away with the cumbersome and expensive regulators and other accessories required by conventional units.

Another object is to provide an emergency oxygen dispenser that is instantly self-operating, without requiring physical adjustments or attention on the part of the user, other than the slight facial pressure mentioned hereinabove.

Another object is to provide a device of the type stated having a fixed orifice oxygen flow regulator, to provide an Patented June 1, 1965 adequate supply of pure oxygen for a particular need, the flow regulator being easily replaceable, without the use of special tools, with regulators having different size orifices to accommodate various needs in the rate of oxygen flow.

Another object is to provide a device of the type stated that can be used to deliver oxygen intermittently, that is two or three breadths at a time, as desired by the user.

Another object is to provide an emergency oxygen source so constructed and self-regulated as to administer medical oxygen to a patient without the oxygen loss experienced by the use of long tubing, re-breather bags, plus the loss of oxygen due to the waiting time until the standard regulator valve is turned off by hand manipulation, as always experienced with the continuous flow type of dispenser.

Another object is to provide a complete emergency oxygen dispensing unit that is so compact that it can be carried in an automobile glove compartment, brief ease, or other small space.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for storing and dispensing gases under pressure.

Another object is to provide a gas dispensing device which includes a container with valve means which are actuated by means of pivoted lever means which form a part of a face mask.

Another object is to provide a gas dispensing device which includes a container with valve means and a face mask and an elastic or flexible boot or enclosure member which forms conduit means for the passage of gas between the container and the face mask.

Another object is to provide a gas dispensing device which includes a container with valve means and a face mask wherein the valve means are actuated by relative movement between the container and mask.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gas dispensing device which includes a container with valve means and a face mask with lever means secured thereto and extending to the container for actuating the valve means and an elastic or flexible member enclosing the valve means and the lever member and serving to act as a conduit for gas from the container through the valve means and to the face mask.

Another object is to provide a new and novel construction for a gas container and valve means associated therewith.

Another object is to provide a new and novel construction for diffusing gas into a face mask.

Another object is to provide a gas storing and dispensing apparatus which includes a container with valve means and a face mask with an operating member 0perably connected to the valve means whereby relative movement between the face mask and the container causes the valve means to be actuated.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification and claims, together with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of one form of the gas storing and dispensing device that is the subject of this invention which takes the form of an oxygen inhalator in combination with a disposable oxygen container;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the same;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional View of the device showing the inhalator mask in alternate operative and inoperative positions;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 44- of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of the inhalator and disposable oxygen container;

FIGURE 6 is a right end view of the device with the mask removed;

FIGURE 7 is a bottom plan view of the device with the mask removed;

FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 8-8 of FIG- DRE 3;

FIGURE 9 is a side elevation of another form of the oxygen inhalator that is the subject of this invention, and as it appears mounted on a disposable oxygen container;

FIGURE 10 is a top plan view of the same;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged sectional View of the device showing the inhalator mask in alternate operative and inoperative posit-ions;

FIGURE 12 is an exploded View of the inhalator;

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 1313 of FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 14-14 of FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 15 is a side elevational View partially in section of still another form of the gas dispensing device of the present invention, and in the nature of a gas inhalator;

FIGURE 16 is a plan view of the device shown in FIGURE 15;

FIGURE 17 is an exploded View showing in more detail the parts of the device shown in FIGURE 15;

FIGURE 18 is a perspective view partially in section of a base for mounting the gas dispensing device;

FIGURE 19 is a view taken generally along the line 1919 of FIGURE 17;

FIGURE 20 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along the line 20-21) of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 21 is a view taken generally along the line 2121 of FIGURE 20;

FIGURE 22 is an enlarged side elevational view in section of the valve mechanism used in the gas dispensing device and showing the valve in open position; and

FIGURE 23 is a view taken generally along the line 2323 of FIGURE 20.

Referring more particularly to the drawings there is seen in FIGURE 1 the portable oxygen dispenser that is the subject of this invention, broadly indicated by reference numeral 10, mounted on a disposable oxygen container 11.

The container 11 is of the conventional type, having a yieldingly positioned valved discharged orifice 25. The body wall of the container 11 is of a gage suitable to contain the compressed gas such as oxygen under the required pressure, and is preferably made of an aluminum alloy, or plastic, to keep its weight to the minimum, for ease in handling and shipping.

Such a container is five or six inches in height, and between 2 /2 and 3 inches in diameter, and is easily held in the hand. The container may take any convenient shape, in cross-section, such as cylindrical or elliptical, and in the form illustrated, is cylindrical in shape. The body has a top portion 12, having a threaded opening to receive a closure element 13. The closure 13 is screwed into the opening of the top portion 12 and forms a gastight seal therewith. Reference numeral 14 indicates a bounding annular rim formed integral with the closure element 13. A stem 28, having a discharge orifice 25, communicating with the interior of the container, extends through the closure 13, and is centered within the annular rim 14, thereof. A cylindrical valve casing 16 is housed in cavity 15 centered in the closure 13, as seen in FIG- URE 3. A neoprene O gasket 20 is located in the cavity immediately above the casing 16 and acts as a gas-tight seal. A brass piston, or discharge orifice control member 21 is yieldingly positioned within a bore 19 in the casing 16. The member 21 includes the upstanding stem 28 containing the discharge orifice 25. Reference numeral 23 indicates a circular constriction at the base of the stem 28, below which the member 21 broadens out to form a shoulder which bears against the sealing gasket 20 under the expansive pressure of a helical spring 26 which is positioned between a seat 18 and the bottom of the member 21.

Reference numeral 17 indicates a gas intake bore which communicates with the several casing bores.

The piston has a slot in its side face and a pin-hole size bore 24, at the constriction 23, which extends between the slot and the stem discharge orifice 25. The piston 21 is normally biased by the spring 26 against the gasket 21), in which position the passage ways of the slot 22 and the pin-hole 24 are sealed by the gasket 20 against the discharge of gas from the container 11. It will be evident that when the stem 28 is depressed against the combined pressure of the spring 26 and the contained gas the control piston 21 will move downward until the pin-hole 24 and the top of the slot 22 are no longer covered by the sealing gasket 20 and the contained gas will be free to travel up the slot 22 through the pin-hole 24 and out the discharge orifice Z5.

Upon release of the downward pressure the piston member 21 will move back to its original position thus cutting off the discharge of gas through the orifice 25. The valving structure just described is one common to all such containers and need not be described in further detail.

Reference numeral 10 broadly indicates the inhalator structure that is detachably mounted on the conventional container 11, in the practice of this invention.

The inhalator base 31) has a central opening 61 bounded by a circular channel 31 adapted to fit against and seat on the annular rim 14 of the container 11.

Two inverted U-shaped yokes 36 and 37 are mounted in alignment on diagonally opposite sides of the base and connected between their closed ends by a handle 33, to form a saddle or pivot support member for the support of the lever arm 4% Reference numerals 32, 33, 34, and 35 indicate dependent resilient fingers which are mounted on the base 3t! and bear against the inner face of the annular rim 14, when the base channel 31 is fitted thereon as seen most clearly in FIGURE 3. The co-operative pressure of the several fingers together with the mating fit between the base channel 31 and the annular rim 14 acts to securely lock the base 31 to the rim 14 against unintentional disengagement. When the saddle base 36 is so positioned on the container 11, the discharge orifice stem 28 thereof is centered in the base opening 61.

Reference numeral 46 indicates a lever arm and operating member combination which extends through the yokes 36 and 37 across the center of base opening 61.

The arm 40 is pivotally mounted on the yoke 36 through a pin 39 which fits through a slotted hole 60 in one end of the lever arm. The pin 39 acts as a fulcrum point for the lever arm which is free to pivot up or down thereabout. A dependent hollow sleeve 44 is mounted on the lower edge of the so located lever arm and is positioned to fit over and receive the discharge orifice stem 28 therein.

Reference numerals 2.7 and 45 indicate two sealing gaskets 0r O-rings which are mounted on the ends of the stem 28 and sleeve 44, respectively, and co-operate to seal this junction point against the escape of oxygen. A longitudinal bore 43 in the arm 49 connects the sleeve 44 with the free end of the lever arm as seen in FIGURE 3. A metering plug 55 is threadedly mounted in the end of the bore 43. The plug 55 has two aligned slots 57 and 58 in its end which are of a width to receive a small share coin therein which can be used as a driver to insert or remove the plug from the lever arm bore 43, as desired.

Reference numeral 56 indicates a metering orifice through the base 59 of the plug. This orifice determines the rate of flow of oxygen and its size is calculated by the use intended. In the case of persons suffering from a heart attack, a relatively large oxygen flow is desirable and a it 65 drill size (0.0350" dia.) is indicated. In the case of asthma and hay fever sufferers, a smaller orifice can be used such as #75 drill size (0.0210" dia.). The inhaler can be easily adapted to deliver different rates of flow by merely substituting plugs having different size metering orifices. This can be done in anticipation of the emergency. Since the plug orifices are fixed in size, the device is always ready to instantly deliver the right amount of oxygen, at a time when the victim is in no condition to make delicate adjustments.

Reference numeral 46 indicates a post which fits into and supports the facial mask 50. The post 46 has two diametrically opposed side bores 47 and 48 leading from a central bore 49 which is threadedly connected to the end 41 of the lever arm. The bore 49 of the so mounted post connects with the bore 43 of the lever arm at themetering plug 55.

The mask 50 is made of soft plastic and its forward edge 54 is contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face, around the nose and oral passages. Reference numeral 53 indicates a plurality of vent holes in both side faces of the mask which, permit atmospheric air to enter the mask. This provides a safety factor in that the user is always able to breath air entering the holes 53 in case the oxygen supply is turned off or exhausted. Otherwise, due to the tight fit of the mask against the face, a weakened person might be in danger of suffocation.

The mask 50 has an opening 52 in the bottom thereof into which the post 46 is tightly fitted. The upper edge of the post 46 is shaped to match the contour of the mask at that point. An opening 51 in the rear of the mask receives the threaded end 41 of the lever arm 40. The so joined mask and its supporting post 46 are screwed on the end of the arm 40 and locked in place by a lock collar 42.

In using the device, the inhalator is snapped on to the container 11, as described hereinabove, with the lever arm sleeve 44 positioned over and in gas-tight engagement with the discharge orifice stem 28. The elongated slot 60 permits the lever arm to adjust for slight mis-alignment of the sleeve and stem.

It will now be evident that the discharge orifice 25 of the container 11 is connected to the interior of the mask 50 through the sleeve 44, lever arm bore 43, metering plug orifice 56, and post bores 49, 47, and 48, as is seen most clearly in FIGURES 3 and 4.

The forward edge 54 is placed over the nose and mouth of the user, and pressed against the face. In view of the fact that the container 11 is used as a handle in placing the mask in position on the face, the action of pressing the mask firmly against the face causes the lever arm 40 to pivot downward to its on position, as indicated by reference numeral 400: in FIGURE 3. Downward movement of the lever arm 40 causes the sleeve 44 to depress the stem 28, and its associated yieldable orifice control piston 21, which in turn opens the discharge orifice to release oxygen into the mask 59. To stop the flow of oxygen, it is only necessary to stop pressing the mask against the face which permits the lever arm 40 to pivot upward to its normal off position, wherein the control member 21 returns to its closed position, thereby cutting off the flow of oxygen.

With this device, the flow of oxygen is cut off immediately upon removal of the mask from the face. In the average situation where the use of oxygen inhalation is indicated, only two or three breaths of pure oxygen at a time are needed.

The container 11 is intended to hold a minimum of 72 liters of oxygen, which will provide a full hour or more of oxygen at breathable pressure, when used intermittently, as described above, since there is no loss of oxygen between inhalations as occurs with the conventional constant flow devices.

When mounted upon the container 11, the unit 10 becomes an integral part thereof until intentionally removed by snapping it off. This snap-on-and-oif feature reduces the over-all size of the entire unit sufliciently to allow it to be conveniently stored in the glove compartment of a car, a brief case, or home medicine chest. Heart patients or those suffering from asthmatic, sinus, or hay fever conditions may place the assembled unit on a stand alongside their bed for use during the night, should an emergency arise. Thus they have available a sufiicient supply of life-saving oxygen while awaiting the arrival of their physician or ambulance. Should the supply in the container 11 become exhausted, a new, full one can be snapped into place in a matter of seconds.

FIGURES 9-14 illustrate another form of the invention, and as seen in FIGURE 9, the portable oxygen dispenser is broadly indicated by reference numeral 110, mounted on a disposable oxygen container 111.

The container 111 is spherical in shape.

Reference numeral 112 indicates a separable collar upon which the tank 111 may be seated to hold same in upright adjusted positions on a fiat surface.

The container 111 may take any convenient shape in cross-section, such as cylindrical, elliptical, or spherical, and in the form illustrated, is spherical, since a sphere will provide the maximum volumetric capacity for a given surface area, while allowing the use of a 40% lighter gauge steel for its fabrication.

The container 111, illustrated, is approximately 4 /2 inches in diameter and is fabricated from two semispherical halves welded together at the seam 148. The container may be fabricated from any suitable sheet material having the required physical characteristics.

In the form illustrated, it is made from one of the new light weight alloy steels of 11 gauge weight, and has a capacity of 72 liters of oxygen at 1800 pounds pressure. Reference numeral 113 indicates a closure top, including an inner removable plug unit 20 threadedly mounted therein in gas-sealing engagement with the O- ring 117, as is seen in FIGURE 11. The closure top 113 is mounted through the wall of the container 111.

The closure 113, as described, has a discharge orifice 114 centered therein and extending the length thereof.

The discharge orifice 114 is controlled by a yieldable valve member 115, located within the orifice 114, and normally maintained in a closed position. The valve 115 may take the form of any one of the yieldable types available, and in the preferred form illustrated, is similar in construction to a tire valve. The valve 115 is controlled by a depressible valve stem 116, that is normally spring biased to a closed position.

The lower end of the discharge orifice 114 is constricted to provide a gas-flow-rate metering orifice 118. This orifice 118 determines the rate of flow of the oxygen, and its size is determined by the use intended.

In the preferred illustration, the orifice 118 has a diameter of .0040 inch. At the pressure used in the container 111, this will provide an adequate flow for heart cases.

The position of the metering orifice 118, ahead of the valve 115, provides a safety factor that prevents an explosive release of the contained gas should there be a failure of valve 115. The metering orifice 118 will limit the flow of gas to approximately 3 liters per minute, with the valve 115 wide open.

Reference numeral 121 indicates a cylindrical saddle or pivot support member adapted to be detachably mounted in gas-tight engagement with the closure top 113 of the container 111.

The interlock between the parts 121 and 113 may take various forms. In the preferred form shown, the interlock is eifected between a threaded counter-bore 123 in the saddle 121 and a threaded neck 119 on the closure top 113.

As illustrated, the threads have a long lead, so that only two or three rotations are required to lock the saddle 121 to the closure top 113. In addition to the threaded counter bore 123: the saddle 121 has an axial bore 122 intersected by a diametric slot 124 out through the end of the saddle opposite the counter-bore 123. A retaining ring groove 125 is located proximate the upper edge of the saddle 121.

Reference numeral 127 indicates a pivot pin bore, as seen most clearly in FIGURE 12.

Reference numeral 130 indicates a plunger loosely fitted in the axial bore 122 of the saddle 121. The plunger has a head 131 which interfits the slot 124 and prevents the plunger from falling out of the bore 122 when held in a vertical position. The opposite end of the plunger has a recess at 132 for receiving the end of the valve stem 116 of the valve member 115.

Reference numeral 129 indicates a lever arm pivotally mounted in the saddle slot 124 by means of a pivot pin 128 which passes through the pivot pin bores 127 and 147 of the saddle and lever arm, respectively.

The lever arm 129 has a nipple portion 133, formed integral therewith. The nipple 133 has a threaded terminal end 134 of reduced diameter. Reference numeral 135 indicates the bore of the nipple which is intersected by a transverse bore 13s in the lever arm adjacent to the nipple 133 as is seen most clearly in FIGURES ll, 12, and 14.

Reference numeral 146 indicates a post which fits into and supports the facial mask 143. The post 141 has two diametrically opposed side bores 142 leading from a central bore 141 which is threadedly connected to the threaded end 13 of the nipple 133. The bore 141 of the so mounted post connects with the bore 135 of the nipple as seen most clearly in FIGURE 14.

The mask 143 is made of soft plastic and its forward edge 149 is contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face, around the nose and mouth. Reference numeral 145 indicates a plurality of vent holes in both side faces of the mask which, permit atmospheric air to enter the mask, mix with the oxygen supply, thus reducing the amount of oxygen to a more normal concentration that can readily be absorbed by the lungs.

The mask 143 has an opening 146 in the bottom thereof into which the post 1419 is tightly fitted. The upper edge of the post l ltl is shaped to match the contour of the mask at that point. An opening in the rear of the mask receives the. threaded end 134 of the nipple 133. The so joined mask and its supporting post 140 are lockedin place on the nipple by means of a lock collar 144.

Reference number 137 indicates a flexible elastic boot which is mounted over the lever arm with its ends covering the saddle 121 and nipple 133 in gas-sealing engagement. The end 139 of the boot 137 fits tightly around and below the edge of the saddle 121 while the end 138 fits snugly around the nipple 133 at the threaded section 134.

The boot 137 thus provides a flexible tube that covers the lever arm 129 and forms a gas-tight passage between the plunger bore 122 and the nipple bore 135, as is seen most clearlyin FIGURE 11.

In using the device the inhalator 110 is threadedly' attached to the container 111, as described hereinabove, with the plunger 1% resting on the 'valve stem 116.

It will now be evident that the discharge orifice 114 of container 111 is connected to the interior of the mask 143 through the plunger bore 122, into which the plunger 131i is only loosely fitted leaving ample room for the passage of oxygen, the saddle slot 124 the interior of 8 the boot 137, the lever arm transverse bore 136, the nipple bore 135, and the post bores 141 and 142.

The forward edge 149 of the mask 143 is placed over the nose and mouth of the user, and pressed against the face, using the container 111 as a handle. In view of the fact that the container 111 is used as a handle in placing the mask in position on the face, the action of pressing the mask firmly against the face causes the lever arm to pivot downward in the saddle 121 to its on position, as indicated by reference numeral 129a in FIGURE 11.

Downward movement of the lever arm 129, depresses the plunger 13% to the position 1311a which in turn depresses its associated valve stem 116 of the control valve 115, thereby opening the discharge orifice 114 for the release of oxygen, through the various associated passages as set forth hereinabovc, into the face mask.

To stop the flow of oxygen it is only necessary to stop pressing the mask against the face, which permits the lever arm 129 to pivot upward to its closed position, thereby cutting off the flow of oxygen.

With this device the flow of oxygen is cut off immediately when the mask is no longer pressed firmly against the face. In the average situation where the use of oxygen inhalation is indicated, only intermittent breaths of oxygen are required.

The container 111 is intended to hold a minimum of 72 liters of oxygen as stated hereinabove, which will provide a full hour or more of oxygen at breathable pressure, when used intermittently, as described, since there is no loss of oxygen between inhalations such as occurs with the conventional continuous flow devices.

When mounted upon the container 111, the inhalator 1 19 becomes an integral part thereof until intentionally removed. This on-and-ofi feature reduces the over-all size of the entire unit sufficiently to allow it to be conveniently stored in the glove compartment of a car, a brief case, or home medicine cabinet. Heart patients or those suffering from asthmatic, sinus, or hay fever conditions may place the assembled unit on a stand along side of their bed for use during the night should an emergency arise. Thus they have available a sufficient supply of life saving oxygen while awaiting the arrival of their doctor or ambulance. Should the supply in the container 11 become exhausted, a new, full one can be screwed into place in a matter of seconds.

The modified form of the gas dispensing device shown in FIGURES 15 through 23 includes generally in combination a spherical metal container 2%, comprising two parts welded together at seam 203, a plastic face mask 2- 31 and a valve mechanism 202. The spherical container 2110 is formed with a nipple portion 204 at the uppermost part of the tank, as viewed in FIGURE 20, and is adapted to be supported in an upright position upon a rubber support ring member 265.

A main housing 2% which has inner and outer surfaces is secured at one end portion thereof in position around the nipple portion 2% by suitable means such as welding or the like. On the inner surface of the main housing, wall means 208 are provided and define an annular ledge wall. 0n O-ring'or other suitable sealing member 210 is positioned on this annular ledge wall. As will best be noted in FIGURE 20, the main housing is provided with threads 212 and 213 on the inner and outer surfaces, respectively. A valve housing 214 (FIG- URE 22) is provided which has first and second end portions 215 and 216, respectively, and these two end portions are connected by an annular shoulder 219 and the valve housing also has inner and outer surfaces. Threads 221 on the outer surface of the valve housing 214 threadably secure the valve housing to the threads 212 on the inner surface of the main housing 206. With the valve housing 21 .1 in this position the annular shoulder 21? is positioned in gas-sealing relationship with the O-ring 219.

Wall means 223 are located in the second end portion 216 of the valve housing 214 and with the valve housing in the position shown in FIGURE 20 this opening permits gas in the spherical container 260 to be admitted thereinto. A valve member 225 is threadably secured in position by threads 227 on the inner surface of the valve housing 214. The valve member 225 is biased to a normally closed position by a spring 226 as can best be visualized by the cross-sectional view of FIGURE 22. A stem member 228 forms a part of the valve and is secured at one end portion to the valve member 225 and when depressed moves the valve member to the above-referredto open position.

A pivot support member 239 is provided and has first and second end portions 231 and 232, respectively. Threads 234 are located on an inner surface of the first end portion of the pivot support member and serve to threadably secure the same to the threads 213 on the outer surface of the main housing, with the O-ring 233 making a gas-tight seal between the top of the main housing 2&6 and the pivot support member. Wall means 236 define a slot across the second end portion 232 of the pivot support member and wall means 238 define an opening between the slot and the interior of the first end portion 231 of the pivot support member. A plunger member 240 is positioned in and loosely resides in the opening 238 and is provided with a head portion 241 at one end thereof which prevents the plunger member from falling througth the opening 238. The other end portion 242 of the plunger member 24% is adapted to engage the stem member 228 for actuating the valve member 225.

An operating lever member 244 is integrally formed with the face mask 201 at a first end portion 246 thereof and extends therefrom and terminates at a second end portion 247. The second end portion 247 of the operating lever member 244 resides in the slot 236 in the pivot support member 230 and is pivotally mounted in this position by means of a pin 249 which extends through an opening 25% in the operating lever member 244 and into either side of the pivot support member on either side of the slot. A retaining ring 251 surrounds the second end portion of the pivot support member and acts to limit the pivotal movement of the operating lever member about the pin 249.

Wall means 253 define a rectangular opening which extends from the interior of the face mask 201 into the first end portion 246 of the operating lever member 244 a predetermined distance. Wall means 254 define a lateral opening extending from the rectangular opening 253 to the exterior of the operating lever member. A diffuser plug 256 which includes a circular portion 257 and a head portion 253 is positioned with the circular portion 257 residing in the rectangular opening 253 and with the head portion 258 being located in the face mask 201 at the end of the rectangular opening. The circular portion 257 of the diffuser plug 256 is also provided with notches 259 and this, along with the fact that the circular portion is positioned in a rectangular opening, permits the passage of gas into the face mask. The head portion 258 of the diffuser plug 256 is larger than the rectangular opening, as will be seen in FIGURES 17 and 20, and this construction acts to distribute gas evenly around the entire face mask rather than concentrating the same at some localized area.

In order to insure that gas from the spherical container 2% is transmitted to the face mask 201, a flexible elastic conduit member 261 has been provided and is constructed of rubber or other suitable material. This conduit member has first and second end portions 262 and 263 and completely encloses the opening lever member 244 and the pivot support member 230, with the first end portion of the conduit member 261 being provided with a bead portion 264 which fits around the outer surface of the main housing 2%. The second end portion 263 of the flexible elastic conduit member 261 fits snugly around the operating lever member at the place where the operating lever member is integrally connected to the face mask.

10 This construction insures that gas which passes through the valve member is transmitted to the interior of the face mask. It will be noted from viewing FIGURE 23 that the second end portion 253 of the conduit member and the side walls of the operating lever member are spaced from each other slightly as at 266 to permit the passage of gas therebetween. It will also be noted (FIGURE 15) that the face mask 201 is provided with openings 267 which permit air to be mixed with the gas inhaled or, if.

closed, permit only pure gas to be inhaled.

In the case where the spherical container contains oxygen as an example of the gas under pressure, and a person desires to breathe the oxygen, it is only necessary that the face mask 201 be placed in position on the users face and the operating lever member 244 be caused to move about the pin 249. This can be accomplished simply by pushing the spherical container upwardly toward the face by the hand which is holding it, or vice versa. This causes the portion 265 of the operating lever member which is in engagement with the head portion 241 of the plunger member 240 to be moved downwardly, causing the stem member 228 of the valve member to be depressed, thereby opening the valve member 225. When this has been accomplished, oxygen passes through the opening 268 in the first end portion of the valve housing 214, through the valve proper and past the plunger member 249, through the slot 236 and through openings 253 and 254 past the difiuser plug 256 and into the face mask.

Although oxygen is recited as the prime example of a gas usable with the device shown and illustrated, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that gases such as, nitrous oxide, compressed air, carbon dioxide, helium, and combinations of these with themselves and in combination with oxygen may be used as well.

It will now be clear that there is provided a device which accomplishes the objectives heretofore set forth. While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, it is to be understood that the specific embodiment thereof as described and illustrated herein is not to be considered in a limited sense as there may be other forms or modifications of the invention which should also be construed to come within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container for holding gas under pressure, valve means in said container and movable between open and closed positions to respectively permit and prohibit gas passage from said container, an operating member having first and second end portions, means connecting said first end portion of said operating member to said container in position to actuate said valve means upon movement of said operating member, a face mask, said second end portion of said operating member being connected to said face mask, and conduit means between said container and said face mask for the passage of gas therebetween and including an elastic member enclosing said valve means and operating member and extending between said container and said face mask.

2. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container for holding gas under pressure, valve means in said container and movable between open and closed positions to respectively permit and prohibit gas passage from said container, a lever member having first and second end portions, pivot means pivotally connecting said first end portion of said lever member to said container in position to actuate said valve means upon movement of said lever member about said pivot means, a face mask, said second end portion of said lever member being fixedly connected to said face mask, and conduit means between said container and said face mask for the passage of gas therebetween and including at least a portion of the length of said lever member.

3. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container for holding gas under pressure, valve means in said container and movable between open and closed mail positions to respectively permit and prohibit gas passage from said container, a lever member having first and second end portions, pivot means pivotally connecting said first end portion of said lever member to said con tainer in position to actuate said valve means upon movement of said lever member about said pivot means, a face mask, said second end portion of said lever being fixedly connected to said face mask, and conduit means between said container and said face mask for the passage of gas therebetween.

4-. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container for holding gas under pressure, valve means in said container and movable between open and closed positions to respectively permit and prohibit gas passage from said container, a lever member having first and second end portions, pivot means pivotally connecting said first end portion of said lever member to said container in position to actuate said valve means upon movement of said lever member about said pivot means, a face mask, said second end portion of said lever member being fixedly connected to said face mask, and conduit means between said container and said face mask for the passage of gas therebetween and including an elastic member enclosing said valve means and lever member and extending between said container and said face mask.

5. Apparatus for holding gas under pressure including in combination, a container having an opening therein, a valve housing having first and second end portions and being positioned in said opening, wall means defining a small opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto, said small opening being quite small compared to the cross sectional area of said valve housing a valve member secured in position in said valve housing, said valve member being spring-biased to a normally closed position, a stem member secured to said valve member and which, when depressed, moves said valve member to open position to permit the escape of gas from said container.

6. Apparatus for holding gas under pressure including in combination, a container, a main housing having inner and outer surfaces and fitting around and secured at one end portion to said container and having wall means on said inner surface defining an annular ledge wall, a sealing member on said annular ledge wall, said main housing having threads on said inner and outer surfaces, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder and having inner and outer surfaces, threads on said outer surface of said valve housing threadably secured to threads on said inner surface of said main housing to secure said valve housing in position with said annular shoulder in gas sealing relationship with said sealing member, wall means defining a small opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto, said small opening being quite small compared to the cross sectional area of said valve housing a valve member threadably secured in position by said threads on said inner surface. of said valve housing, said valve member being spring-biased to a normally closed position, a stem member secured to said valve member and which, when depressed, moves said valve member to open position.

7. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a spherical metal container having a nipple portion, a main housing having inner and outer surfaces and fitting around and secured at one end portion to said nipple portion and having wall means on said inner surface defining an annular l dge Wall, an O-ring on said annular ledge wall, said main housing having th eads on said inner and outer surfaces, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder and inner and outer surfaces, threads on said outer surface of said valve housing threadably secured to threads on said inner surface of said main housing to secure said valve housing in position with said annular shoulder in gas sealing relationship with said O-ring, wall means his! defining a small opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto, said small opening being quite small compared to the cross sectional area of said valve housing a valve member threadably secured in position by said threads on said inner surface of said valve housing, said valve member being spring-biased to a normally closed position, a stern member secured to said valve member and which, when depressed, moves said valve member to open position.

8. A gas-dispensing device including in combination, a spherical metal container having a nipple portion, a main housing having inner and outer surfaces and fitting around and secured at one end portion to said nipple portion and having wall means on said inner surface defining an annular ledge wall, an O-ring on said annular ledge wall, said main housing having threads on said inner and outer surfaces, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder and inner and outer surfaces, threads on said outer surface of said valve housing threadably secured to threads on said inner surface of said main housing to secure said valve housing in position with said annular shoulder in gas sealing relationship with said O-ring, wall means defining a small opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto, a valve member threadably secured in position by said threads on said inner surface of said valve housing, said valve member being spring-biased to a normally closed position, a stem member secured to said valve member which when depressed moves said valve member to open position, a pivot support member having first and second end portions, threads on an inner surface of said first end portion of said pivot support member threadably securing same to said threads on said outer surface of said main housing, Wall means defining a slot across said second end portion of said pivot support member, wall means defining an opening between said slot and said first end portion of said pivot support member, a plunger member loosely residing in said opening and having a head portion at one end thereof in said slot and the other end engageable with said stem member of said valve, a plastic face mask, an operating lever member integrally formed with said face mask at a first end portion thereof and extending therefrom to a second end portion, wall means defining an opening in said second end portion of said operating lever which extends generally laterally therethrough, said second end portion of said operating lever member residing in said slot in said pivot support member, a pin member in said opening in said second end portion of said operating lever and with either end thereof extending into said pivot support member on opposite sides of said slot, a retaining ring surrounding said second end portion of said pivot support member to limit the movement of said operating lever mem er about said pin member, wall means defining a rectangular opening extending from said face mask into said first end portion of said operating lever member, wall means defining an opening extending from said rectangular opening to said lateral opening of said operating lever member, a diifuser plug including a circular portion and a head portion, said circular portion residing in said rectangular opening and said head portion being located in said face mask at the end of said rectangular opening and being larger than the same, a flexible elastic conduit member having first and second open end portions, said elastic conduit member enclosing said operating lever member and said pivot support member and fitting around the outer surface of said main housing at said first end portion thereof and fitting around said operating lever member where same is integrally connected to said face mask at said second end portion thereof. V

9. A gas dispensing device including in combination, a container having a nipple portion, a main housing having inner and outer surfaces and fitting around and secured at one end portion to said nipple portion and having wall means on said inner surface defining an annular ledge wall, a sealing member on said annular ledge wall, said main housing having threads on said inner and outer surfaces, a valve housing having first and second end portions connected by an annular shoulder and having inner and outer surfaces, threads on said outer surface of said valve housing threadably secured to threads on said inner surface of said main housing to secure said valve housing in position with said annular shoulder in gas sealing relationship with said sealing member, wall means defining a small opening in said first end portion of said valve housing to admit gas thereinto, a valve member threadably secured in position by said threads on said inner surface of said valve housing, said valve member being spring-biased to a normally closed position, a stem member secured to said valve member which when depressed moves said valve member to open position, a pivot support member having first and second end portions, threads on an inner surface of said first end portion of said pivot support member threadably securing same to said threads on said outer surface of said main housing, a plunger member mounted by said pivot support member and having a head portion at one end thereof and the other end engageable with said stem member of said valve, a face mask, an operating lever member connected to said face mask at a first end portion thereof and extending therefrom to a second end portion, a pin member pivotally connecting said second end portion of said operating lever to said pivot support member, wall means defining an opening extending from said face mask into said first end portion of said operating lever member and communicating with the exterior of said operating lever member, a diffuser plug residing in said opening which extends from said face mask, a flexible elastic conduit member having first and second open end portions, said flexible elastic conduit member enclosing said operating lever member and said pivot support member and fitting around the outer surface of said main housing at said first end portion thereof and fitting around said operating lever member where same is connected to said face mask at said second end portion thereof.

10. In combination with a pressurized oxygen container of the type including a closure top having a discharge orifice in said closure, controlled by a valve member that is normally biased to a closed positon, an inhalator, comprising, a saddle mounted on the closure top; a lever arm pivotally mounted at one end on the saddle and extending cross-wise of the closure above the orifice, in operative engagement with the valve member, the lever arm having a nipple portion at the free end thereof; a mask contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face around the nose and mouth, mounted on the nipple; wall means defining an opening extending through said nipple portion into said mask; and a flexible boot covering the lever arm with its end fitted around the saddle and nipple in gas sealing relationship; the lever arm being pivotable, in the saddle, between a first position, wherein the discharge orifice valve member is in its normal closed position, and a second position wherein the valve member is opened to release the contained oxygen through the discharge orifice, boot and nipple into the mask.

11. In combination with a pressurized oxygen container of the type including a closure top having a discharge orifice in said closure, controlled by a valve member that is normally biased to a closed position, an inhalator, comprising, a cylindrical saddle mounted on the closure top, having an axial bore intersected by a di-ametric slot cut in the saddle; a plunger loosely fitted in said bore and engageable with the aforesaid yieldable valve member; a lever ar-m pivotally mounted at one end in the saddle slot and extending cross-wise of and engageable with said plunger, the lever arm having a nipple portion at the free end thereof, a mask contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face around the nose and mouth, mounted on the nipple; Wall means defining an opening extending through said nipple portion into said mask; and a flexible boot covering the lever arm with its ends fitted around the saddle and nipple in gas-sealing relationship; the lever arm being pivotable, in the saddle, between a first position, wherein the discharge orifice valve member is in its normal closed position, and a second position wherein the plunger is moved downward against the valve member to open same to release the contained oxygen through the discharge orifice, plunger bore, boot and nipple into the mask.

12. A device of the type defined in claim 11 and further distinguished by the closure top having a gas flow-rate orifice therein positioned ahead of the closure valve member.

13. In combination with a pressurized oxygen container of the type including a closure top having a discharge orifice centered in said closure, controlled by a valve member that is normally biased to a closed position, an inhalator, comprising, a cylindrical saddle mounted on the closure top, having an axial bore intersected by a diametric slot cut in the saddle; a plunger loosely fitted in said bore and engageable with the aforesaid yieldable valve member; a lever arm pivotally mounted at one end in the saddle slot and extending cross-wise of and engageable with said plunger, the lever arm having a nipple portion at the free end thereof with a bore therein, a mask supporting post mounted on the nipple portion having gas discharge vents connected to the nipple bore; a mask, contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face around the nose and mouth, mounted on the post; and a flexible boot covering the lever arm with its ends fitted around the saddle and nipple portion in gas-sealing relationship; the lower arm being pivotable, in the saddle between a first position, wherein the discharge orifice valve member is in its normal closed position, and a second position wherein the plunger is moved downward against the valve member to depress same to release the contained oxygen through the discharge orifice, plunger bore, boot, nipple and mask posts vents into the mask.

14.1n combination with a pressurized oxygen container of the type having a discharge orifice controlled by a valve member that is normally yieldably positioned, a-n inhalator, comprising, a saddle having a base portion engageable with the container, a lever arm pivotally mounted at one end on the saddle and extending cross wise of the valve member above the discharge orifice of the container, a dependent hollow sleeve mounted on the lever arm, adapted to seat over the container discharge orifice in operative engagement with the yieldable orifice controlling valve, a mask, contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face around the nose and oral passages, mounted on the free end of the lever arm, the lever arm having a bore therein connecting the hollow sleeve with the interior of the mask, and means in the lever arm bore for metering the rate of flow of gas therethrough, the lever arm being pi-votable, on the saddle, between a first position, wherein the discharge orifice control valve is in its normal closed position, and a. second position, wherein the control valve is yieldingly depressed to release the contained gas through the discharge orifice and into the mask.

15. In combination with a pressurized oxygen container of the type having a closure top defining an annular rim and also having a discharge orifice centered in said closure rim controlled by a member that is normally yieldingly positioned, an inhalator, comprising, a saddle having a base portion engageable with the annular rim of the container, in locked attachment thereto a lever arm pivotally mounted, at one end, on the saddle and extending crosswise of the closure above the discharge orifice of the container, a dependent hollow sleeve mounted on the lever arm adapted to seat over the container discharge orifice in operative engagement with the orifice controlling member of the container, a mask, contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face around the nose and oral passages, mounted on the free end of the lever arm, the lever arm having a bore therein connecting the hollow sleeve with the interior of the mask, and a plug threadedly mounted in the lever arm bore having a fixed metering orifice therethrough, the lever arm being pivotable, in the saddle, between a first position wherein the discharge orifice control member is in its normal closed position, and a second position, wherein the control member is yieldingly depressed to release the contained gas through the discharge orifice and into the mask.

16. In combination with a pressurized oxygen container of the type having a closure top defining an annular rim and also having a discharge orifice centered in said closure rim controlled by a member that is normally yieldingly positioned, an inhalator, comprising, a saddle having a base portion engageable with the annular rim of the container, the base portion having a center opening to receive the container discharge orifice therethrough bounded by a circular channel adapted to seat upon the annular rim, the base portion also having spaced and dependent resilient fingers which bear against the inner face of the annular rim to lock the base firmly thereon against unintentional disengagement, a lever arm pivotally mounted, at one end, on the saddle and extending cros wise of the base above the discharge orifice, a dependent hollow sleeve mounted on the lever arm adapted to seat over the discharge orifice in operative engagement with the orifice controlling member of the container, a mask, contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face around the nose and oral passages, mounted on the free end of the lever arm, the lever arm having a bore therein connecting the hollow sleeve with the interior of the mask, and means in the lever arm bore for metering the rate of flow of gas therethrough, the lever arm being pivotable, in the saddle, between a first position, wherein the discharge orifice control member is in its normal closed position, and a second position, wherein the control member is yieldingly depressed to release the contained gas through the discharge orifice and into the mask.

17. In combination with a pressurized oxygen container of the type having a closure top defining an annular rim and also having a discharge orifice centered in said closure rim controlled by a member that is normally yieldingly positioned, an inhalator, comprising, a saddle having a base portion engageable with the annular rim of the container, the base portion having a center opening to receive the container discharge orifice therethrough bounded by a circular channel adapted to seat upon the annular rim, the base portion also having spaced and dependent resilient fingers which bear against the inner fiace of the annular rim to lock the base firmly thereon against unintentional disengagement, a lever arm pivotally mounted, at one end, on the saddle and extending crosswise of the base above the discharge orifice, a dependent hollow sleeve mounted on the lever arm adapted to seat over the discharge orifice in operative engagement with the orifice controlling member of the container, a mask, contoured to seat in gas-sealing relationship upon the human face around the nose and oral passages, mounted on the free end of the lever arm, the lever arm having a bore therein connecting the hollow sleeve with the interior or" the mask, and a plug threadedly mounted in the lever arm bore having a fixed metering orifice therethrough, the lever arm being pivotable, in the saddle, between a first position wherein the discharge orifice control member is in its normal closed position, and a second position, wherein the control member is yieldingly depressed to release the contained gas through the discharge orifice and into the mask.

18. In combination with a pressurized oxygen container of the type having a closure top defining an annular rim and also having a discharge orifice centered in said closure rim controlled by a member that is normally yieldingly positioned, an inhalator, comprising, a saddle having a base portion engageable with the annular rim of the container, the base portion having a center opening to receive the container discharge orifice therethrough bounded by a circular channel adapted to seat upon the annular rim, the base portion also having spaced and dependent resilient fingers which bear against the inner face of the annular rim to lock the base firmly thereon against unintentional disengagement, a lever arm pivotally mounted, at one end, on the saddle, extending crosswise of the base above the discharge orifice and having a mask supporting post at the other end thereof positioned clear of the base, a dependent hollow sleeve mounted on the lever arm adapted to seat over the discharge orifice in operative engagement with the orifice controlling member of the container, a mask, contoured to seat in gassealing relationship upon the human face around the nose and oral passages, mounted on the post, the mask having a plurality of openings in the side walls thereof open to the ambient air, the lever arm and post having bores therethrough connecting the hollow sleeve with the interior of the mask on opposite sides of the post, a plug threadedly mounted in the lever arm bore having a fixed metering orifice therethrough, the lever arm being pivotable, in the saddle, between a first position wherein the discharge orifice control member is in its normal closed position, and a second position, wherein the control member is yieldingly depressed to release the contained gas through the discharge orifice and into the mask.

19. A gas dispensing device including in combination a container for holding gas under pressure, valve means in said container and movable between opened closed positions to respectively permit and prohibit gas passage from said container, a rigid lever operating member having first and second end portions, pivot means pivotally connecting said first end portion of said rigid lever operating member to said container, with a portion thereof in position to actuate said valve means upon movement of said rigid lever operating member about said pivot means, a face mask, said second end portion of said rigid lever operating member being connected to said face mask, conduit means between said container and said face mask for the passage of gas therebetween in said open position of said valve means including an elastic member comprising a continuous annular wall surrounding said rigid lever operating member and having a first open end extending to and sealed at said face mask and having a second open end extending to and sealed at said valve means, said rigid operating member enabling said device to be held and utilized with only one hand by an operator.

24 A gas dispensing device including in combination a container for holding gas under pressure, valve means in said container and movable betweenopen and closed positions to respectively permit and prohibit gas passage from said container, a rigid lever operating member having first and second end portions, pivot means pivotally connecting said first end portion of said rigid lever operating member to said container with a portion thereof in position to actuate said valve means upon movement of said rigid lever operating member about said pivot means, a face mask, said second end portion of said rigid lever operating member being connected to said face mask, conduit means between said container and said face mask for the passage of gas therebetween in said open position of said valve means, said rigid lever operating member enabling said device to be held and utilized'with only one hand by an operator.

21. A gas dispensing device including in combination a container for holding gas under pressure, valve means in said container and movable between open and closed positions to respectively permit and prohibit gas passage from said container, a rigid lever operating member hav ing first and second end portions, pivot means pivotally connecting said first end portion of said rigid lever operating member to said container with a portion thereof in position to actuate said valve means upon movement of said rigid lever operating member about said pivot means, a face mask, said second end portion of said rigid lever operating member being connected to said face mask, conduit means including at least a portion of said rigid lever operating member between said container and said face mask for the passage of gas therebetween in said open position of said valve means, said rigid lever operating member enabling said device to be held and utilized with only one hand by an operator.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Wilkerson 128-211 Tobias 128-211 St. Germain 299-95 Moore 128-203 Hughes 128-203 Birch et a1. 128-203 10 LOUIS R. PRINCE, Primary Examiner.

HAROLD B. WHITMORE, ADELE M. EAGER,

Examiners. 

1. A GAS DISPENSING DEVICE INCLUDING IN COMBINATION, A CONTAINER FOR HOLDING GAS UNDER PRESSURE, VALVE MEANS IN SAID CONTAINER AND MOVABLE BETWEEN OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS TO RESPECTIVELY PERMIT AND PROHIBIT GAS PASSAGE FROM SAID CONTAINER, AN OPERATING MEMBER HAVING FIRST AND SECOND END PORTIONS, MEANS CONNECTING SAID FIRST END PORTION OF SAID OPERATING MEMBER TO SAID CONTAINER IN POSITION TO ACTUATE SAID VALVE MEANS UPON MOVEMENT OF SAID OPERATING MEMBER, A FACE MASK, SAID SECOND END PORTION 